Calling all Star Wars fans! The Upland Public Library is thrilled to host its 3rd Annual Star Wars Day! Join us this Saturday, May 24, from 1–4 PM at 450 N. Euclid Ave. Meet the 501st Legion, enjoy an exciting Storytime with Darth Vader, and create your own lightsaber, droid, and more! Explore fascinating exhibits and partake in galactic activities!

Weekly City Hall Highlights – May 22, 2025

Administrative Services Department:

• Finance:

  • The Accounting Division successfully held this week’s Budget Workshop, which involved discussing and fine-tuning the final adjustments to the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. These adjustments will be presented to the City Council for approval on June 9 after the Public Works CIP Workshop on June 2. This marks a significant step toward ensuring the City’s financial health and the funding of essential projects for the upcoming year.

• Human Resources:

  • The Wellness Committee hosted a Therapy Petting Zoo at Landecena, providing a fun and therapeutic experience for employees and residents alike. Additionally, they launched a pet photo contest, running through May 29, where participants can showcase their beloved pets for a chance to win prizes.

  • HR staff opened recruitment for two important positions: Building Inspector I, which is crucial for maintaining construction and safety standards, and various roles within Police Dispatch.

  • The HR team also held interviews for two positions: Senior Administrative Assistant and Police Dispatch Supervisor, both of which will play pivotal roles in ensuring the smooth operation of city services.

• IT:

  • IT staff worked to resolve several technical issues, including troubleshooting problems with the Axon Fleet dashcams and ensuring the smooth operation of the camera software used by the Police Department.

  • Additionally, eFax accounts were set up for the Police Department, computers and phones were relocated, and a lost iPad was found.

  • A variety of software issues were addressed, including resolving login issues for Development Services staff and fixing a conference room computer issue for Public Works.

  • Updates were made to the City website, ensuring that the public has access to the latest information and services.

Development Services Department:

• Building & Safety:

  • During the week of May 15-21, the Building & Safety Division completed 319 building inspections, issued 28 building permits, and reviewed 25 sets of construction plans, supporting ongoing development and ensuring safety across the city.

• Planning Division:

  • Staff reviewed 13 zoning clearances for new businesses, with one notable review for New China Mongolian BBQ at 156 W. Foothill Blvd (formerly the Juan Pollo space). This marks another positive development for our local business community.

  • Special Event Permit was approved for the grand opening of the Central City Community Health Center at 180 N. Benson Avenue, scheduled for May 27, 2025. This is an important event that will provide essential health services to the community.

  • Staff worked on entitlement applications for three major projects, including a 16,000 sq. ft. Event Center at Cable Airport, 72 detached single-family homes on the former Buffalo Inn property, and a 132-unit townhome development near Arrow Highway and San Antonio Avenue. These projects represent significant growth and development within the city, bringing both residential and commercial opportunities.

• Economic Development:

  • Economic Development staff participated in the Upland Lemon Festival planning Zoom meeting, ensuring that this year’s festival will be a success.

  • Weed Abatement Program continued with 29,391 inspections completed as of May 20, issuing 762 Courtesy Notices, closing 513 cases, and issuing 249 Notices to Comply. This ongoing effort is crucial for maintaining public safety and aesthetics throughout the city.

  • Staff reviewed agreements for the Small Business Expansion Grant Program and worked on Business Assistance for local companies like Kings Brewing Co., helping them access resources to improve their facilities.

• Housing:

  • Housing staff conducted final inspections for a senior client’s Emergency Repair Program project and processed the final payment to the contractor, ensuring the project was completed to satisfaction.

  • Housing staff also facilitated a meeting between two contractors and a senior client to help them secure competitive bids for future repairs under the Emergency Repairs Program.

Police Department:

• Recent Incidents:

  • On May 16, officers responded to 8th St and Mountain Ave for reports of a man acting erratically, later determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The man was arrested for being under the influence and found to be on parole for burglary.

  • On May 17, officers responded to a rollover traffic collision at Benson Avenue and 16th Street, where several occupants were trapped. Officers determined that the other driver involved was under the influence of alcohol and arrested them for felony DUI causing injury. Several individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries.

  • On May 19, officers responded to a grand theft auto incident at an apartment complex where a suspect used stolen keys to joyride in a vehicle. The suspect was arrested after returning the vehicle to its owner.

  • Officers responded to a threatening situation involving an aggressive male who attempted to steal a child’s skateboard near Upland High School on May 20. The suspect threatened officers but was successfully de-escalated and taken into custody.

  • On May 21, officers were involved in multiple arrests, including a suspect in a liquor store assault and two suspects in a motorcycle theft at a beauty supply store. The stolen products were recovered, and the motorcycle was impounded.

• Homeless Outreach:

  • The Impact Team responded to E. 9th Street for subjects who had established a makeshift shelter on private property. The subjects were arrested for trespassing and Homeless Services assisted by placing two individuals in a substance treatment facility.

Public Works Department:

• Engineering & Capital Projects:

  • 14th Street Rehabilitation continues to make progress, with the geotechnical team obtaining their encroachment permit for subsurface borings.

  • The Foothill Blvd. Rehabilitation project is moving forward with a Bid Opening scheduled for May 28.

  • Construction is ongoing for the Police Department 2nd Floor Expansion, including electrical and data cable installations for future cubicles.

  • The ARPA Alley Rehabilitation Phase 2 is nearing completion, with the contractor addressing final punch list items and NOC (Notice of Completion) set for June 10.

  • Staff is also preparing for Traffic Signal Maintenance Services by issuing an RFP for a new 2-year contract with optional extensions. The deadline for proposals is May 27.

• Public Works Operations:

  • Crews continued their work on asphalt overlaying in several city alleys, ensuring safer and smoother streets for residents.

  • Additionally, overgrown palm trees on Laurel Avenue and Vernon Avenue were trimmed, contributing to a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing city.

• Utilities:

  • The City continues to produce an average of 16.2 million gallons per day of water, with 12.2 million gallons per day sourced from groundwater.

  • The City’s participation in a tour of the F.E. Weymouth Treatment Facility in La Verne provided valuable insights into water treatment processes, which will help improve the efficiency and quality of the city’s water services.

Recreation Department:

• Community Engagement:

  • The Walking Wednesdays program continues to thrive, with 51 participants logging 115 miles over the last two weeks.

  • The Butterflies in May program wrapped up with 144 children participating in an educational exploration of butterfly life cycles.

  • Splash into Summer Fun with the release of the 2025 Summer Recreation Guide, now available online and in mailboxes.

  • Sponsorships for the Light Up the Night fireworks event have reached $24,676, and the Go Skate Day event on June 21 is shaping up to be a success with sponsors like Raising Canes and Zumiez.

• Special Events:

  • The Juke Box Dance event was a success, with over 40 seniors in attendance, enjoying music, dancing, and refreshments.

  • The Tasty Mingle Cooking Social saw 14 seniors come together to cook and enjoy a delicious meal.

  • The Bunko Social event is coming up on Thursday, May 22, and there are still spots available for participants to join in the fun.

City Manager’s Office:

• Public Outreach:

  • The Summer Upland Today issue has been delivered to residents and is also available online.

  • Recent social media efforts included posts on City Council meetings, Mother’s Day, Composting 101, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and National Public Works Week.

As always, feel free to reach out if you need more details on any of the updates or have questions regarding any city matters. Have a great week ahead!

Councilman James Breitling